Weddings are always so beautiful…the happy couple… the sweet smelling flowers…gorgeous wedding cake…abundance of alcohol…simply a wonderful and joyous occasion.  However, it can be costly for both the bride and groom and the guests.  No matter how many weddings we all attend, the same questions run through our minds.  Here are answers to the most commonly asked questions…

“How much should I spend on a gift?” Generally you should spend $50-75 and twice that amount if you bring a guest.  Spending $100 or more is acceptable if you have a closer relationship with the bride or groom.

“Is giving cash okay?” Sure!  It may seem impersonal, but you are actually being helpful.  It can be inconvenient for the newlyweds or the wedding party to have to supervise the gift table and transport large gifts on an already busy day.  If you plan to purchase a gift, it is recommended that it be delivered to the couple’s home prior to the wedding day.

“Do I still give a gift when I will not be attending the wedding?” Yes, because a gift to the couple shows that you care, support, and celebrate their new life together.

Do you have more questions regarding wedding gift etiquette?  Contact The Bess Impression.  We can also provide you with gift suggestions, shopping, wrapping and free delivery in the Honolulu area.

There is more of an awareness to take better care of the environment, and now consumers can shop for fun, trendy, and eco-friendly gifts.  Here are just a few…

1. 1. Candy wrapper purse, $22.00 and up. See Image
2. 2. Bottle-shaped platters made from 100% recycled glass, $18.00 See Image
3. 3. Personalized aluminum water bottle, $19.95 See Image
4. 4. All natural pet grooming kits, $26.00 See Image
5. 5. Organic baby onesies, $56.50 See Image
6. 6. Stainless-steel compost pails, $49.94-69.95 See Image
7. 7. One-of-a-kind art work made from recycled license plates, $$$$ See Image

I received an email today to read an article titled Building a New Girls’ Network.  It is an insightful look on a growing movement happening everywhere.  The new girls’ network is about women developing valued personal and professional contacts with other women.  Reading further, I had a childhood memory that came full circle…

When I was little, I followed my mom everywhere.  Lunch with friends always ended with shopping.  While I waited and pranced around in boutique stores, my mom was trying on the latest fashions.  I still remember when my mom purchased a black St. John skirt for $800!  I remember saying to her, “$800!  It’s just a black skirt?!?!”  She replied, “Spend the money and buy good quality.  Classics never go out of style.”  Like an echo I replied, “$800!  It’s just a black skirt?!?!”

Going back to the article, Christine Lau identifies networking styles to how men and women shop.  She says men know what they want, find it, and make the purchase.  Women, on the other hand, like the freedom of having choices and having the time to make the right decision, and embracing the entire shopping experience.  Networking for women is very much the same.  It’s about the quality interaction and positive experiences you have when meeting like-minded women.

In my business, clients should know that I only want to give them the best.  To me that’s very important.  We are about giving gifts of exceptional quality, and that’s the Bess Impression!

Click to read the HawaiiBusiness article:

http://www.hawaiibusiness.com/Hawaii-Business/July-2009/Building-a-New-Girls-039-Network

With the warm and sunny weather, get out and enjoy the summer!  Here are five summer activities that are fun for people of all ages.

1. 1. Volunteer at a care home, local food bank, or beach clean-up.
2. 2. Get your friends and family together for a weekend of bbq or camping.
3. 3. Join a club such as a hiking or gardening club.
4. 4. Learn a new sport or hobby.
5. 5. Play tourist and visit the local museums and galleries.  Many offer free admission and special events during the summer.

Here are my top 5 picks for budget friendly Father’s Day gifts.  They are easy to find and cost less than $25.

1. 1. Bath and body products ‘For Men‘
2. 2. Coupon books
3. 3. His favorite snack foods and booze.  It is after all a special occasion.
4. 4. Unique family photo.  The more creative and funny, the better.  Every time Dad looks at the picture, he’ll have a smile on his face.
5. 5. The day off from his weekend chores.  Cars can still be driven even when they are dirty.